Annie's Mailbox

Disrespectful and disgusting

June 10, 2014

Dear Annie: Last Memorial Day, I visited the grave of a relative to pay my respects.

I looked up and saw a group of people walking by with their dogs - right over the graves.

The cemetery has a sign saying no dogs are allowed.

On a holiday like Memorial Day, the groundskeepers aren't there to say anything.

I gave them a stern look, as I certainly didn't want their dogs to relieve themselves on my relative's grave.

They just looked at me and laughed.

This undoubtedly will happen again. How can I deal with it without losing my cool?

I find this disrespectful and disgusting.

- Anywhere USA

Dear USA: Those cemeteries that do not permit dogs will post a sign, as yours did.

Those who bring their dogs in spite of these signs are trespassing and should be reported to the cemetery owners, as well as the police.

In cemeteries where dogs are allowed, considerate owners will not permit their animals to relieve themselves on a grave, but will direct them to other areas within the cemetery and will clean up after them.

Dear Annie: I would like to respond to "Different Gods," the Pagan who doesn't want to attend church with her boyfriend's family at Christmas.

I have been a practicing pagan for 30 years. Though I am devoted to my religion, I am still able to celebrate with family and friends.

Holidays are about the season, the sharing and the joy in being alive.

"Different Gods" should embrace the holidays as a way to show her love for her boyfriend and his family.

Maybe then he might be more interested in attending some pagan festivals.

- L.

Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column.